Fred Matiang’i now a private citizen after handing over power
By Kevin CheruiyotFred Matiang’i, former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s blue-eyed boy, has officially handed over the reigns at the Interior Ministry and is now set to commence life as a private citizen.
Matiang’i was one of the most powerful people in the former regime.
He served in the ministries of ICT, Education, and Interior in the past decade and was once considered more powerful than then Deputy President William Ruto.
On Tuesday, the tough-speaking Matiang’i, a former University lecturer handed over the Interior Ministry’s offices to his successor, Professor Kithure Kindiki.
The event was attended by among others, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho and other government officials.
Change of Guard:
Prof. @KindikiKithure officially takes over as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration from his predecessor Dr Fred Matiang’i. pic.twitter.com/ffLEXCbmDZ
— Ministry of Interior | Kenya (@InteriorKE) November 1, 2022
Matiang’i will be remembered for his far-reaching policies during his time in cabinet.
In the ICT Ministry, he led the analogue to digital migration despite the hue and cry from the public and the mainstream media.
At the Education Ministry, he is remembered for putting in place measures to streamline the education sector, policies that led to changes in the management of the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
He also restructured the security procedures surrounding the handling of the exam papers, as well as releasing the results within the shortest period.
He moved to the Interior Ministry following the sudden death of Joseph Nkaissery, where his strictness in getting the work done stood out.
But his rise also made him political enemies including President William Ruto who consistently criticized him for taking sides after he declared his support for Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga.
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